Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1887-11-10
Wash1ngtonLett


SSntiOtiOsAA WI No SOA VIC ksOA POoO Va
preparing his annual message to con-
gress. Most Of the large libraries
in the capital have contributed some
thing to the end in view, and ]
doubt whether even the encyclope-
dia is an exception.
The president is not the only one
preparing for the long session Of
congress, row so near at hand, as
the congressmen themselves are ar
irving in the city every day, so as to
have plenty of time to settle them
selves down before beginning the
long and laborious task of next ses-
sion's work, which will probably
extend far into the summer. 1t is
likely that the skirmish line of the
presidential contest Of 1888 will be
fought in the Fiftieth congress, so it
is highly probable that many excit-
ing and sensational scenes will be
enacted in the effort to manufacture
political capital for use in the pend
ing campaign.
The tariff will be the question OF
all others that will occupy the atten-
ton Of that body, while the disposi-
tion of the treasury surplus will per-
haps be considered a collateral SUBJ
ject.
The interstate commerce law will
be amended, and in new legislation,
efforts will be made for the better
protection of railroad passengers
from being roasted to death by
heating stoves and kerosene lamps.
Those who advocate government
control of the telegraph expect to
move In behalf of their favorite
measure. A perfect shower Of PEN
sion bills may be expected, but / am
of the opinion that most Of them.
will gracefully repose on the table
until unceremonIously committed TO
the congressional or presidential
waste-baskets, for reform and re-
trenchment will be the watchwords
with Democrats, while the Republi-
cans will chiefly figure as malcontents
and obstructionists.
The fisheries commission, Of which
you have heard so much, has en-
gagged thirty-two rooms at one Of the
leading hotels and will begin It's de-
liberatlons the latter part Of nexs
week, at which time the arrival OF
the British commissioners ls expect.
ed their American colleagues are
now here in consultation with Secre-
tary Bayard as to their duties and
the extent of their authority.
The differences Of opinion between
the civil service commissioners IN re-
gard to the scope and operations Of
the law which they are called upon
to enforce, have become so acrimo-
NOUS that their personal relations
are strained and the controversy has
become a public scandai. These
once dignified officials have fallen to
sighting among themselves like a
Trio of unruly schoolboys, and it is
not at all improbable that the presi-
dent will feel It his duty to play the
role of teacher and give them . SAM
pie of his discipline.
For a long time the postotfice de-
partment was greatly puzzled at the
wholesale reduction in the salArles Of
hose postmasters whose pay de-
oends upon the amount Of postage |
stamps cancelled by them--a steady |
decrease being noted In every case |
where a Democrat has succeeded . |
But an investigation !
shows that the Republican postmas.
ers had been making false returns
ind charging for stamps sold but not
cancelled, while, on the other hand, |
heir Democratic successors have
,ept honest accounts with the gov
!rnment. The result is that the old
postmasters have been
to refund half q million
lollars wrongfully withheld from the
United States. ''Turn the raseals
ut.''
The third and fourth class post
masters are dissatisfied with their
alaries, and propose holding 3 ma
ional convention In this city in De-
ember, with the object of calling
pom congress to provide some way
or an increase of their compensa-
ion.
Secretary Whitney has temporarily
etired from the cabinet, on account
+ illness brought on by overwork
ast summer. Il is hoped that the
enial and popular New Yorker may
oon be restored to health and re.
urn to duty at the head OF the nnvy
where he has rendered
he ccnntry such distinguished and
ubstantiaI public services.
l am glad to see that hundreds OIL
,ood Democrats In the departments
ere are showing truly commenda-
lie party devotion by making ar-
to return to their old Il
ONES in the doubtful states and
ote for the Democratic candidates
n the fall elections.